The Western Digital WD Black SN8100 4TB is the objective winner of this comparison, securing three out of five spec categories. Its most significant advantage is its sequential read speed, which outperforms the Seagate Barracuda 2TB by 7742 percent. While the Seagate Barracuda 2TB maintains a lead in MSRP with a 90 percent advantage, the superior performance metrics of the Western Digital WD Black SN8100 4TB establish it as the more capable hardware option across the majority of measured fields.

Users prioritizing maximum storage performance and capacity should select the Western Digital WD Black SN8100 4TB for its substantial lead in sequential read speeds. Conversely, the Seagate Barracuda 2TB is the appropriate choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize a lower MSRP over the high-speed data access provided by the alternative. Choosing between these two components depends entirely on whether your primary requirement is cost efficiency or the significant performance gains offered by the faster drive.